Gordie Howe International Bridge opens to pedestrians and cyclists

The Gordie Howe International Bridge linking Windsor, Ontario and Detroit, Michigan opened to pedestrians and cyclists under sunny skies. After a week of vehicle traffic, a Windsor man camped for 28 hours to become the first Canadian to cross the new 2.5‑kilometre multi‑use path, while a Michigan resident was the first U.S. citizen to walk into Canada, receiving a commemorative certificate.

Officials highlighted the bridge’s estimated 125‑year lifespan and noted that the opening follows months of political dispute, including former U.S. President Donald Trump’s demand for compensation before allowing the crossing and a cancelled joint celebration over threatened U.S. tariffs. Canada and the United States have agreed to share half of net toll revenues for the next 15 years.

The bridge is named after hockey legend Gordie Howe, who spent 26 NHL seasons, most with the Detroit Red Wings.